Whose red-carpet savvy matches their talent?

Tuning in to the Emmys is as much about the fashion as it is about the talent — we love the unexpected, be it good or bad. But when an actress is up for an award, says celebrity style expert Jacqui Stafford, "she's going to be more mindful because she knows if she wins she will be immortalized forever holding that statue, and she doesn't want to run the risk of regretting her decision."

We've rounded up three fashion experts to dissect the looks of Emmys past, talk about what worked, what didn't — and what they'd like to see more of on the red carpet.

THE BOMBSHELL
SOFIA VERGARA, 41

Nomination: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, "Modern Family"

Style file: Vergara's Zuhair Murad dress made headlines in 2012 — when the seam covering her rear end split clean down the middle. "I don't know what she was thinking with that dress," says Audrey Slater, fashion director at Redbook magazine. "It's amazing she could even move in it."

For 2013, Slater hopes to see a more muted look reminiscent of Vergara's 2011 Vera Wang gown. "I would love to see something a little more subtle from her; she should wear Donna Karan, Calvin or even Vera again. There were a lot of 'sexy from the back' dresses with beautiful cutouts and details on the runways this season that I think would be amazing on her."

THE CLASSIC BEAUTY
CLAIRE DANES, 34

Nomination: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, "Homeland"

Style file: "This bright yellow Lanvin dress is stunning on Claire — she's glowing!" says Yahoo Shine senior fashion and beauty editor Joanna Douglas, though Stafford felt it would work better in "a more regal color such as emerald or cobalt."

Regardless, both agree she should continue with the strapless style that made her 2010 Armani Prive gown such a success. "She has beautiful shoulder structure and toned arms, so she does well with this look," says Stafford. "I would love to see her in one that's more of a fit and flair with a larger skirt, rather than the straight dress. I like the idea of her in richer colors, too — when you're blond you can go for the deeper shades."

THE SURPRISE STUNNER
AMY POEHLER, 42

Nomination: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, "Parks and Recreation"

Style file: A seven-time nominee without a win, Poehler has rocked the baby bump on multiple red carpets — no easy sartorial feat for any woman. "The cut of this Zac Posen dress suits her pretty pregnant curves, but the print makes it too nightgown-ish," says Douglas. "And the Max Azria works for her. Her post-baby cleavage looks awesome!"

2011 was a different story. "This is my favorite of her looks; the liquid metal effect is so cool and modern. If the top revealed a little more skin, it would have been even more flattering. Amy looks amazing when she's in more crisp, structured, polished looks."

THE GAME CHANGER
ELISABETH MOSS, 31

Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, "Mad Men"; Outstanding Lead Actress in a Movie or Miniseries, "Top of the Lake"

Style file: "Every time I see a woman walk out in this fabric, I feel sorry for them because it always gets wrinkled in the car on the way over before they even hit the red carpet," says Douglas of Moss' Reem Acra gown. "And I'm tired of these beautiful women wearing pale pink dresses that wash them out."

On the other hand, last year's look was a breath of fresh air. "She nailed it in this Dolce & Gabbana dress. The print is gorgeous, the style is proportional on her, and it makes her look taller. I would love to see her in something that doesn't overwhelm her petite frame."

THE VIXEN
CHRISTINA HENDRICKS, 38

Nomination: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, "Mad Men"

Style file: "What Christina does so well is that you see the loveliness first, and then the bombshell factor after that. She understands what it takes to make an hourglass figure look elegant, which isn't an easy task," comments Slater.

"I loved the Christian Siriano on her, and the strapless dress worked here because of the belt. I think Zac's gown was also a perfect match, and while the feathers might bother some people, I thought the dress suited her. This year, I want more of the same, please! If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

THE GLAM GODDESS
CONNIE BRITTON, 46

Nomination: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, "Nashville"

Style file: "This red dress is fantastic on her. She has broad shoulders, which means she can pull off a full skirt," says Douglas. "The silhouette paired with her loose hair looks sexy and youthful. Her Andrew Gn gown the next year was well-made, but the halter top, belt detail and pulled-back hair make her look older than she is."

What should the redhead opt for in 2013? "Red is a total wow factor, and it works really well for her. My personal favorites for her would be emerald green, navy or purple. With her statuesque figure, she should wear something goddessy, nothing too stuffy. She should feel free and happy."

THE RISK-TAKER
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS, 52

Nominations: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, "Veep"; Outstanding Comedy Series (Producer), "Veep"

Style file: "Julia does very well with the mermaid style — very fitted, always the same look. I'm loving the rust-colored Vera Wang, that silhouette is absolutely stunning on her," says Stafford. Louis-Dreyfus rocked a Narciso Rodriguez look in 2006, but fell flat in 2008. "I'm not loving it. It looks a bit inexpensive, and too junior. And that snippet of skin — as you get older, less is more.

"Once you know your silhouette and what works for you, it's a great idea to stay with it. She should stick to the fitted bodice and flared trumpet skirt at the bottom — just change colors and fabrications."